STD Risks After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know

On Father's Day, August 8th, I engaged in risky sexual behavior with a sex worker?

On August 8th, I did not wear a condom for the entire duration; there was some external genital rubbing before I put on a condom for oral sex and penetration.
As of the 23rd, it has been two weeks without any symptoms.
I tested negative for HIV using RT-PCR on the eighth day, and two weeks later, I tested negative with a rapid HIV test.
However, regarding genital warts (HPV), I have heard that the incubation period can be as long as 3 to 12 months.
Since I am about to get married and want to have children, I am concerned because there seems to be no way to test for HPV unless lesions appear.
I have consulted four doctors about my genitals, and they all said that it cannot be ruled out within a month.
I have researched online, and it seems to take a long time for testing.
Based on doctors' experience, does clinical HPV need one month or three months to be considered excluded? How long until I can engage in normal sexual activity?
Doctor, I hope you can help me.
I haven't been eating or sleeping well, and I have lost 8 kilograms.
I am very afraid of transmitting anything to my beloved, especially since she performed oral sex on me.
I find it hard to imagine that she might contract HPV because of my uncleanliness.
I have been praying and visiting many temples, and I promise to be more careful in the future.
I did not know that HPV cannot be tested for and I am unsure when I can be certain that I do not have it.

Doctor, I want to know if my risk of infection is high.
It has been two weeks now without any symptoms.
If I wait another two weeks and still have no symptoms, can I feel more reassured? I have found a lot of information stating that if someone is infected, symptoms usually appear within 3 to 8 weeks.
However, why do doctors tell me to relax if there are no symptoms after a month? They say they see many patients daily.
Also, regarding herpes, I have had no symptoms in the second week.
Does this mean the chances are very low? I plan to get tested again after a month.

Wo kuai feng le, pa de caihua, pa chuan gei nu you ku., 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/23

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Cauliflower and herpes are both viral infections that can take advantage of a weakened immune system.
It is advisable to monitor them for a month.
If there are no visible signs upon examination, you can feel more at ease.

Reply Date: 2018/08/23

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) after unprotected sex, it's essential to consider several factors, including the type of sexual activity, the presence of symptoms, and the timing of testing. Based on your situation, here are some key points to consider.

Firstly, engaging in sexual activities without protection, such as oral sex and vaginal intercourse, does carry a risk of transmitting STDs, including HIV, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for conditions like genital warts (often referred to as "cauliflower" or "菜花" in Mandarin). The risk of transmission varies depending on the type of sexual contact and the presence of any open sores or infections in either partner.

In your case, you mentioned that you had unprotected contact followed by protected intercourse. The fact that you have tested negative for HIV using both RT-PCR and rapid tests within two weeks is a positive sign, as these tests are quite sensitive. However, it is important to note that HIV has a window period, typically around 3 to 12 weeks, during which the virus may not be detectable even if a person is infected. Therefore, while your early tests are reassuring, it is advisable to continue monitoring your health and to retest after the recommended window period.

Regarding HPV and the potential for developing genital warts, the incubation period can indeed range from 3 weeks to several months, and in some cases, it may take up to a year for symptoms to appear. The absence of visible symptoms or lesions in the first month is a good sign, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of an infection. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential, especially if you are planning to engage in sexual activity with a partner.
As for your concerns about your partner, it is crucial to communicate openly about your sexual health. If you have any doubts about potential exposure to STDs, both you and your partner should consider getting tested. This not only helps in managing your health but also protects your partner from potential infections.

In terms of resuming sexual activity, it is generally advised to wait until you have received conclusive test results and have ruled out any infections. This is particularly important if you are planning to conceive, as certain STDs can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Lastly, your anxiety and stress about this situation are understandable. It is essential to take care of your mental health during this time. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support. They can help you navigate your concerns, provide accurate information about testing and treatment options, and assist you in managing any anxiety related to your sexual health.

In summary, while your initial tests are promising, it is crucial to continue monitoring your health, communicate with your partner, and seek further testing as needed. Taking these steps will help you make informed decisions about your sexual health and well-being.

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